TEMPO.CO, Bandung - The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) said volcanic activities of 20 Indonesian mountains are above normal.

“The status of one of those volcanoes is alert level 4 (awas), two on alert level 3 (siaga), and the rest 17 volcanoes is on alert level 2 (waspada). Mount Sinabung is on alert level 4, and Mount Agung and Mount Soputan are on alert level 3,” said PVMBG’s head of Volcano Mitigation Sub-Division for West Region, Kristianto, Tuesday, December 18.

Kris mentioned that during Christmas and New Year holiday, several volcanoes are still preferred for holiday destinations. Thus, PVMBG increased coordination with regional tourism operators in the area.

“Such as in Mount Tangkubanparahu, Mt. Dieng, Mt. Papandayan, Mt. Gede, and Bromo. We have given guidance to maintain safety and form coordination with us in PVMBG or Volcano Monitoring Post that are on standby to provide information,” he added.

Kris further reminded several threats of an active volcano. For example, a number of volcanoes erupt without any signs in advance. “It does not mean there is no precursor sign, but that occurs in a short time and not too notable,” he added.

Several volcanoes that have such characteristics are Mount Tangkubanparahu and Mount Papandayan. “Mount Papandayan in 2013 spewed phreatic eruption for many times without earlier showing significant precursor,” Kris noted.

Therefore, Kris continued to say that to prevent similar cases, particularly during this holiday season, PVMBG has intensified the communication with the site management in light of the activity of Indonesian volcanoes.

AHMAD FIKRI (CONTRIBUTOR)